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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Compliance with the Health and Social Care Standards Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} operates in full compliance with the Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland), ensuring that every person receiving care experiences safe, compassionate, and person-centred support. The policy provides clear guidelines on how we integrate the standards into daily practice, ensuring that staff understand their roles and responsibilities in upholding these expectations.

This policy ensures that:

• Care is dignified, compassionate, and responsive to individual needs.
• Staff understand and implement the five key principles underpinning the Health and Social Care Standards.
• All services provided meet or exceed Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations.
• Individuals receiving care are treated with respect and encouraged to make informed choices about their care and support.
• Systems are in place for monitoring, evaluating, and improving compliance with these standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, including care workers, supervisors, and management, ensuring they uphold the standards in daily practice.
• Agency and temporary staff, ensuring they comply with the same quality expectations as permanent employees.
• People we support, their families, and representatives, ensuring they are aware of their rights under the standards.
• External professionals and partners, ensuring collaboration aligns with regulatory compliance and quality care delivery.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• The Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland) 2018 – Establishing rights-based, person-centred care.
• Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice – Ensuring professionalism and accountability in social care work.
• The Care Inspectorate’s Quality Framework – Providing standards for quality assurance.
• The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 – Setting legal requirements for care services.
• The Equality Act 2010 – Ensuring fairness, dignity, and respect for all.
• The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 – Supporting individuals in making informed decisions about their care.

4. The Five Key Principles of the Health and Social Care Standards

The Health and Social Care Standards are based on five key principles:

4.1 Dignity and Respect

• Every person is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
• Individuals’ rights to privacy, cultural identity, and personal choices are upheld.
• Staff communicate effectively and listen actively, ensuring people feel heard.

4.2 Compassion

• Care is delivered with kindness, empathy, and emotional sensitivity.
• People receiving care feel valued, safe, and reassured.
• Staff are trained to recognise and respond to emotional needs.

4.3 Be Included

• People we support are fully involved in decisions about their care and support.
• Services are designed to be accessible, inclusive, and person-centred.
• Families and advocates are involved where appropriate.

4.4 Responsive Care and Support

• Each person’s care is tailored to their needs, preferences, and changing circumstances.
• Regular assessments and reviews ensure care plans remain relevant.
• Staff respond promptly and effectively to any concerns or requests.

4.5 Wellbeing

• People we support have opportunities to participate in activities that enhance their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
• A focus on preventative care, nutrition, exercise, and mental health support.
• Staff promote independence and self-care, encouraging individuals to make choices about their daily lives.

5. How {{org_field_name}} Ensures Compliance

5.1 Staff Training and Development

To ensure all employees understand and implement the Health and Social Care Standards, we provide:

• Mandatory induction training covering the five principles.
• Ongoing refresher training and competency assessments.
• Workshops on person-centred care, dignity, and communication.
• Supervision and mentoring to reinforce best practices.

5.2 Person-Centred Care Planning

Each individual receiving care has a detailed personal care plan developed through collaboration with them, their families, and relevant professionals. Care plans include:

• Preferences, cultural needs, and communication requirements.
• Personal goals, daily routines, and health needs.
• Regular reviews and updates to reflect changing circumstances.

5.3 Quality Assurance and Monitoring

To ensure compliance, we implement a robust quality monitoring system, which includes:

• Regular audits of care delivery, documentation, and service outcomes.
• Feedback mechanisms, including surveys and complaints procedures.
• Supervision and performance appraisals to ensure staff uphold standards.
• Incident reporting and response mechanisms to address issues promptly.

5.4 Promoting Dignity and Inclusion

We ensure every individual feels valued and respected by:

• Encouraging active participation in decision-making.
• Ensuring services are accessible and inclusive.
• Providing interpreters, assistive technology, and advocacy services where needed.

5.5 Safe and Effective Staffing

• All staff undergo rigorous recruitment and vetting, including PVG checks.
• We ensure safe staffing levels to maintain high standards of care.
• Staff have clear guidance on roles and responsibilities, preventing inconsistencies.

5.6 Complaints, Feedback, and Continuous Improvement

• We actively encourage feedback from people we support and their families.
• Complaints are handled transparently and promptly, with clear procedures for resolution.
• Learning from feedback is used to improve policies, training, and care delivery.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

6.1 Responsibilities of All Staff

• Uphold the Health and Social Care Standards in daily practice.
• Ensure care is person-centred and responsive to individual needs.
• Communicate effectively and treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
• Participate in training and development activities to enhance competency.

6.2 Responsibilities of Managers and Supervisors

• Provide leadership and guidance in implementing the standards.
• Conduct regular staff supervision and performance monitoring.
• Address any compliance issues or gaps in practice promptly.
• Ensure policies and procedures are aligned with Care Inspectorate regulations.

6.3 Responsibilities of the Organisation

• Ensure that the principles of the Health and Social Care Standards are embedded in all aspects of service provision.
• Provide ongoing training, supervision, and resources to support staff compliance.
• Maintain an open culture where people feel safe to raise concerns and provide feedback.
• Work collaboratively with regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and advocacy services to improve care quality.

7. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Person-Centred Care Planning Policy
• Training and Continuing Professional Development Policy
• Safeguarding and Protection Policy
• Supervision and Appraisal Policy
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, best practices, or organisational needs. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff and relevant stakeholders.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}}{{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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